Tinubu may approve creation of one new state — Presidency sources

There are strong indications that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may approve the creation of only one additional state after the National Assembly and state legislatures conclude the required legislative processes.
Findings suggest that Anioma State is most likely to be approved, with proponents arguing that its creation would help address long-standing feelings of marginalisation among people of the South-East.

It was gathered in Abuja that consultations among key stakeholders have reached an advanced stage, particularly among interests opposed to the proposed state being officially classified under the South-East geopolitical zone.
This development comes amid renewed calls by Senator Ned Nwoko for sustained and unified backing from Ndigbo for the creation of Anioma State as the sixth state in the South-East.
Recall that several groups within Delta State have strongly opposed the inclusion of Anioma State in the South-East, insisting instead that it should be carved out as part of the South-South geopolitical zone. Such a move, they argue, would increase the number of states in the South-South to seven.
The South-East currently has only five states, making it the geopolitical zone with the fewest states in the federation.
Presidency sources disclosed that Anioma State is the only proposal receiving serious consideration and is expected to emerge as the sixth state in the South-East.
According to the sources, the move is aimed at correcting perceived imbalance and addressing long-standing concerns of marginalisation.
“One of the key reasons for the creation of Anioma State is to compensate the South-East region and Ndigbo in general,” a source said. “Mr President is fully aware of the arguments for and against state creation, but he considers Anioma the most viable among the requests before him.
“He is also determined to promote geopolitical balance, equity, fair representation, and justice, particularly in response to the grievances expressed by Ndigbo, whose zone has the least number of states.”
The source dismissed ongoing agitation by some stakeholders for the creation of a proposed ‘Anim-Oma State’, which would combine parts of Anioma in Delta State, the old Orlu Zone of Imo State, and Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, with Orlu as the proposed capital.
Under the prevailing plan, Anioma State would be established as the sixth state in the South-East, with Asaba designated as its capital, barring any last-minute changes.
Although it remains unclear when President Tinubu will meet with relevant stakeholders on the matter, sources said such a meeting would follow consultations with the leadership of the National Assembly, which is said to be favourably disposed to the proposal.
Reacting to the development, Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District and has been a leading advocate for the creation of Anioma State, expressed optimism that the agitation would soon yield results.
He said:
“This is a historic struggle that has never attracted this level of national attention and support.
“It presents a golden opportunity for the Igbo people to reunite with their kith and kin across the Niger.
“The Ohanaeze constitution recognises Anioma as the sixth Igbo state and Ikwerre as the seventh. It is therefore not a coincidence that over 90 senators have openly declared their full support for the creation of Anioma State.”
(Vanguard, excluding headline)